Ottawa, Ontario — September 28, 2015 — The friends and family of a critically injured Ottawa tow truck driver have organized an online fundraising initiative to help support his recovery.
Ottawa Community News reports the GoFundMe campaign launched on August 30 with a goal of $5,000. To date, $1,760 has been raised to help cover the living costs, medical treatment and rehabilitation of Jonny’s Towing founder Abbas Kadir, who was working along Highway 417 when he was struck by a passing vehicle on August 26.
The 45-year-old suffered multi-system trauma and was transported to the Civic Hospital, where he remains.
Kadir’s eldest son, Jon, says his father’s recovery has been slow, but his condition has finally stabilized.
“He is out of intensive care, and doing better and better every day. It’s a miracle,” Jon said in the report, adding the collision caused breaks to Kadir’s arm, wrist and pelvis, damaged his stomach, and removed a finger and skin from his hand.
Jon took over the family business several years ago, but Kadir stayed on in a supervisory role and had been responding to a two-vehicle car crash at the time of the incident.
“Him being injured is sad to see. We all look up to him, we all go to him for answers and help, but the main thing is that he is alive today and we thank God every day for that,” Jon says.
On August 31, Ottawa police charged 19-year-old Zoya Flick of Smith Falls for having improper tires. Police say the offence, combined with rainy conditions, played a part in the August 26 crash. The charge came one day after over 50 tow truck drivers gathered to rally in support of Kadir and help raise awareness of the province’s recent amendments to the Move Over law, extending roadside worker protection to tow operators.
Under Bill 31, the Making Ontario’s Roads Safer Act—which came into effect September 1—motorists who do not slow or down or move over when approaching a parked tow truck with its amber lights flashing face a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000 and three demerit points. First offenders will be charged around $490.
Jon says that while accidents do happen and operators should take precautions to protect themselves, motorists need to be more aware of their surroundings.
“Please keep an eye out for these people working on the highway, and respect the new law by moving over a lane,” he says.
To make a donation to the GoFundMe campaign, please visit gofundme.com/583zq2ms.
